Break-action firearm and trigger mechanism

ABSTRACT

A firearm having a frame and a barrel pivotally mounted to the frame, and further including a locking block pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the locking block engages the barrel to prevent pivotal motion thereof; and a trigger mechanism for a firearm having a neutral center of gravity, the trigger member having a geometry that results in an equal and/or symmetric distribution of its mass relative to the pivot point of the trigger, wherein impact caused by dropping the firearm will result in substantially equal application of forces on opposed sides of the trigger member, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended discharge of the firearm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/024,670, filed Jan. 30, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/033,649, filed Mar. 4, 2008, the entireties of which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference,

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of firearms, and more particularly to an improved break-action mechanism for providing access to the breech end of the barrel of a firearm, to an improved trigger mechanism for a firearm, and to an improved firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the use of various forms of firearms, it is desirable to provide access to the breech end of the firearm's barrel. For example, in muzzle-loading firearms it is commonly necessary to access the breech end of the barrel to insert and remove a percussion cap or primer for initiating the primary powder charge (typically blackpowder, Pyrodex or other propellant). In cartridge-type firearms, the cartridges are typically loaded into a chamber in the breech end of the barrel.

Firearms using break-action mechanisms to provide access to the breech end of the barrel are known. Typically, a hinge mechanism or pivot pin affixed to the frame of the firearm allows the muzzle end of the barrel to pivot downward and away from the rear stock and firing mechanism, causing the breech end of the barrel to pivot upward where it is exposed for easier access.

A known break-action mechanism for muzzle-loading firearms includes a barrel locking and release mechanism having a locking bolt slidably mounted to the barrel for engaging a downwardly facing surface of the frame. A release finger extension of the trigger guard moves the locking block out of engagement with the barrel to release the barrel locking mechanism and permit pivoting of the barrel. Known break-action mechanisms for muzzle-loading firearms have also included an intermediate pivoting latch member between the trigger and the hammer, for locking the hammer in a neutral or half-cocked safety position.

Previously known break-action mechanisms have been found to have a number of shortcomings. Undue complexity in a mechanism may lead to a lack of reliability and/or safety, as well as increased cost and a greater need for maintenance and repairs.

Various trigger mechanisms for firearms are also known. Typically, a trigger body pivots about a pivot pin that is coupled to the frame or other portion of the firearm, to permit a user to manually release a hammer, firing pin, or other firing mechanism, and thereby discharge the firearm. A trigger bow or actuator portion of the trigger body is generally configured for manipulation by the finger of a user to move the trigger between a forward or ready position and a rearward or firing position. A distal portion of the trigger body selectively engages and releases the firing mechanism upon manipulation of the actuator portion.

The specific location of the pivot pin on the trigger body has heretofore been of little concern in the design of firearms. In general, the pivot point is located wherever is most convenient in terms of spatial fitting of the trigger mechanism and other components within the gun frame, or at a position whereby mechanical advantage may be improved. As a result, the trigger is typically heavier on one side or the other of the pivot pin (i.e., one side of the trigger body has a greater mass than the other side).

Therefore, if a gun is dropped on the butt end, and the trigger bow side of the trigger body (the part where the user's finger puts pressure) is the heavier side, the inertia of this heavier side can and often does overcome the strength of the trigger return spring upon impact, causing the gun to fire unintentionally. Similarly, if a gun is dropped on the muzzle, and the sear side of the trigger body (the portion of the trigger body that is on the side opposite side of the pivot pin from the bow) is heavier than the trigger bow side, the inertia can force the trigger to disengage from the hammer or sear. Again, this can cause the gun to fire unintentionally.

Accordingly, a need for continuing improvement in the field has been recognized. It is to the provision of an improved firearm, an improved break action mechanism, and an improved trigger mechanism meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In example embodiments, the present invention is a firearm having an improved break action mechanism. The firearm may take the form of a rifle, shotgun, handgun or the like. In example forms, the firearm of the present invention is a muzzle-loading firearm having a barrel with a closed breech end including a nipple or other receiver for a primer or cap for initiating the firing of the main charge of blackpowder or other propellant. In alternate embodiments, the firearm is a breech-loading firearm such as a modern center-fire or rim-fire cartridge type firearm, or other form of break action firearm.

The barrel of such a firearm is pivotally mounted to the frame of the gun to permit access to the breech end of the barrel. A pivotally mounted trigger guard or other release actuator actuates a release mechanism for selectively engaging and releasing a locking block with the barrel. The locking block also serves to prevent opening or closing the break action mechanism when the firearm is cocked, for improved safety.

In example forms, the firearm of the present invention also includes a trigger mechanism having a trigger arm that directly engages and releases the hammer, eliminating the need for intermediate linkage elements, thereby reducing complexity of the mechanism.

In one aspect, the present invention is a firearm having a frame and a barrel pivotally mounted to the frame, and further including a locking block pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the locking block engages the barrel when the barrel is closed to prevent pivotal motion thereof.

In another aspect, the invention is a barrel locking mechanism for a break-action firearm, the barrel locking mechanism including a barrel lug having a recess formed therein, and further including a pivoting locking block selectively engagable and disengagable with the recess of the barrel lug.

In another aspect, the invention is a trigger mechanism for a firearm, the trigger mechanism including a trigger having an extension for direct engagement and release of a hammer of the firearm.

In further example embodiments, the present invention is a firearm having an improved trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism of the present invention preferably reduces the likelihood of unintentional discharge of a dropped firearm by providing a trigger body that is substantially equally balanced (i.e., has substantially equal mass or moment of inertia) on either side of the trigger pivot pin. In this manner, if a gun is dropped and hits the ground in any direction at all there is a substantially equal distribution of mass or inertia on all sides of the pivot pin so that inertial forces resulting on each side of the pivot point substantially cancels out those resulting on the opposite side. This greatly reduces the chance that the gun will fire accidentally. The trigger mechanism of the present invention also includes a trigger arm that directly engages and releases the hammer, eliminating the need for intermediate linkage elements, thereby reducing complexity of the mechanism.

In one aspect, the present invention is a firearm including a trigger member pivotally mounted about a trigger axis, wherein the trigger member has a proximal portion on a first side of the trigger axis and a distal portion on a second side of the trigger axis opposite the first side, and wherein the proximal portion has a weight W_(P) and the distal portion has a weight W_(D), and wherein W_(P) is approximately equal to W_(D).

In another aspect, the invention is a trigger member for a firearm, the trigger member having a proximal portion with a first center of gravity spaced a distance D_(P) from a trigger axis, and a distal portion with a second center of gravity spaced a distance D_(D) from the trigger axis, and wherein D_(P)*W_(P) is approximately equal to D_(D)*W_(D).

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cutaway view of a portion of a firearm having a break-action barrel release and firing mechanism according to example forms of the present invention, shown with the break action closed, the barrel release mechanism engaged, and the trigger and hammer in the neutral position, and also having a trigger mechanism according to an example form of the present invention, shown with the trigger and hammer in the neutral position.

FIG. 2 is another side cutaway view of the firearm, barrel release and firing mechanisms, and trigger mechanism shown in FIG. 1, with the barrel release mechanism of the firearm in its released position.

FIG. 3 is another side cutaway view of the firearm, the barrel release and firing mechanisms, and the trigger mechanism shown in FIG. 1, with the firearm's break action opened for access to the breech end of the barrel.

FIG. 4 is another side cutaway view of the firearm, the barrel release and firing mechanisms, and the trigger mechanism shown in FIG. 1, with the break action closed, the barrel release mechanism engaged, and the trigger and hammer in the cocked position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the hammer of the firearm of FIG. 1 in its cocked position, locking the barrel release mechanism in its engaged state to prevent opening of the break action when the firearm is cocked.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the hammer in its neutral position, freeing the barrel release mechanism to be disengaged for opening the break action.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the barrel release mechanism disengaged and blocking the hammer from being cocked when the break action can be opened.

FIG. 8 is a first perspective view of barrel release, firing and trigger mechanisms according to the example form of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of the barrel release, firing and trigger mechanisms according to the example form of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the firearm shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-10 show a break-action firearm 10 including barrel release and firing mechanisms according to an example form of the present invention. The firearm 10 includes a barrel 12 that is pivotally mounted to a frame 14 by a pivot pin or hinge mechanism 16. The barrel has a front or muzzle end and a rear or breach end, in typical form. In example embodiments, the firearm is a muzzle-loading firearm having a barrel with a rifled or smooth bore and a closed breach end, with a flash hole extending through the closed breech into the bore, and communicating with an external nipple or receiver for accepting a primer or cap in typical form. Alternatively, the firearm of the present invention can take the form of any other type of break action firearm, such as for example a firearm utilizing breech loaded center-fire or rim-fire cartridges.

FIGS. 1-3 show a sequence of operation of the barrel locking mechanism according to an example form of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the break-action of the firearm with the barrel closed, and the barrel locking mechanism locked or engaged to prevent opening the barrel, FIG. 2 shows the barrel locking mechanism unlocked or disengaged, with the barrel closed but released to permit its opening. FIG. 3 shows the barrel locking mechanism unlocked or disengaged, and the barrel open. A barrel lug 20 extending from the underside of the barrel 12 includes a birds-mouth or angled recess 22 in its distal face. A locking block 30 is pivotally mounted about a pin affixed to the frame 14 of the firearm 10. The locking block 30 has a free end extending away from its pin connection, which can swing into engagement with the barrel recess 22 to prevent the break action of the firearm from being opened (see FIGS. 1, 4, 5 & 6); and out of engagement with the barrel recess to release the break action and permit it to be opened (see FIGS. 2, 3 & 7). A torsion spring biases the locking block 30 toward its engaged position.

The firearm 10 further comprises a trigger guard 40 that is pivotally connected to the frame 14, and includes a lower extension finger or tang 42 for pivotally actuating the trigger guard. An upper extension portion of the trigger guard 40 includes a concavely curved cam surface 44, which engages a follower nub or protrusion 32 extending from one or both sides of the locking block 30. The trigger guard 40 pivots about a guard axis 46 above the tang 42 and of toward the rearward extent of the trigger guard. A coil or mousetrap spring biases the trigger guard 40 toward its closed position (FIG. 1). Pivoting the trigger guard 40 from its closed position into its open position (FIGS. 2 & 3) engages the cam surface 44 downwardly along and against the protrusion 32, toggling the locking block 30 from its engaged position (FIG. 1) where it prevents the barrel from opening, into its disengaged position (FIGS. 2 & 3) where it permits the barrel to be opened. Returning the trigger guard 40 to its closed position allows the locking block 30 to return to its engaged position.

FIGS. 4-7 demonstrate a safety mechanism whereby the barrel 12 of the firearm 10 cannot be opened or closed when the firearm is cocked, and cannot be cocked when the barrel locking mechanism is disengaged. A hammer 50 of the firearm is pivotally mounted to the frame 14, and moves between a forward or firing position, a middle or neutral position (FIGS. 2, 3 & 6), and a rearward or cocked position (FIGS. 4 & 5). In the forward or firing position, a striker portion 52 of the hammer impacts a firing pin assembly 60, which in turn impacts the primer or percussion cap to discharge the firearm. A hammer spring biases the hammer 50 toward the firing position. As seen best with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the hammer 50 is in its cocked position, a hammer extension portion 54 of the hammer abuts against a contact surface or lobe portion 34 of the locking block 30, thereby locking the locking block in its engaged position. In its engaged position, the locking block 30 is engaged within the barrel recess 22 to prevent a closed barrel from opening, and also blocks the swing of the barrel lug 20 to prevent an open barrel from being closed. Thus, the barrel can not be opened or closed when the hammer is cocked. Preventing the gun from opening or closing when cocked can reduce the likelihood of unintended discharge of the firearm. FIG. 6 shows the relationship of the same parts when the hammer 50 is uncocked and at rest in its neutral position. In this position, there is no interference in pivoting the locking block from the engaged or locked position to the disengaged or unlocked position. Additionally, and as seen best with reference to FIG. 7, the gun cannot be cocked when the barrel locking mechanism is disengaged (this could be caused by debris or corrosion in the action, broken parts, or a number of other reasons), because the lobe portion 34 of the locking block 30 interferes with the arc of travel of the hammer extension portion 54. It is important that the breech be fully locked when the rifle is fired, so preventing cocking of the hammer when the rifle is not properly locked provides an additional safety mechanism.

The firearm 10 further comprises a trigger mechanism providing direct engagement and release between the hammer 50 and a trigger member 70 that is pivotally coupled to the frame 14 of the firearm. The trigger 70 preferably comprises a unitary integral component including a lower actuator or bow portion 72 for manipulation by the user to move the trigger between a forward or ready position and a rearward or firing position, and an upper extension arm 74 having a notch or catch formed thereon. In the neutral position (FIGS. 1-3), a hammer block portion 56 of the hammer 50 engages the top face of the extension arm 74. In the cocked position (FIG. 4), a sear surface 58 of the hammer 50 engages the notch or catch of the extension arm 74. When the trigger is actuated into its firing position, the sear surface 58 of the hammer 50 releases from the notch or catch of the extension arm 74, and the hammer is driven under the influence of the hammer spring to impact the firing pin 60 and discharge the firearm. A trigger spring 76 engages a spring arm portion of the trigger 70 to bias the trigger toward its ready position.

As seen best with reference to FIG. 2, the trigger mechanism of the present invention includes a “neutral center of gravity” in which the trigger pin or pivot axis 80 is located in relation to the trigger member 70 so that all sides of the trigger member (in relation to the pivot axis) have approximately the same weight and/or moment of inertia. The center of gravity or center of inertia of the overall trigger member 70, and/or of the trigger member and any operatively connected components affecting movement of the trigger member, are preferably coincident with or closely positioned in relation to the pivot pin 80 or other axis of movement of the trigger body. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the mass of the trigger bow portion 72 of the trigger member 70, which lies on a first (lower) side of the trigger mechanism's pivot axis 80, times the distance between that first or proximal portion of the trigger body's center of gravity (CG_(P)) and the pivot axis, is equal to or approximately equal to (i.e., within about 5%-10%) the mass of the opposed upper portion of the trigger member (comprising the upper extension arm 74 and the spring arm 76), which lies opposite the trigger bow portion on a second or opposed side of the pivot axis, times the distance between that second or distal portion of the trigger body's center of gravity (CG_(D)) and the pivot axis. Additionally, a line drawn between the center of gravity (CG_(P)) of the proximal portion of the trigger member 70 and the center of gravity (CG_(D)) of the distal portion of the trigger member preferably passes through or immediately adjacent the trigger pivot axis 80, with the centers of gravity CG_(P), CG_(D) approximately equidistant from the pivot axis. In this manner, the trigger member 70 has a geometry that results in an equal and/or symmetric distribution of its mass about the pivot point 80 of the trigger. As such, if the gun is dropped and hits the ground in any direction at all, there is equal or approximately equal (e.g., within the ability of the trigger return spring's ability to resist unintentional discharge) inertia on all sides of the pivot pin so that every side affected cancels out the effect of the opposite side. This greatly reduces the chance that the gun will fire accidentally.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

1. A firearm comprising: a frame; a barrel pivotally mounted to the frame, the barrel having a breech end and a muzzle end; a trigger pivotally mounted relative to the frame about a trigger axis, the trigger comprising a proximal portion on a first side of the trigger axis and a distal portion on a second side of the trigger axis opposite the first side, and wherein the proximal portion has a weight W_(P) and the distal portion has a weight W_(D), and wherein W_(P) is approximately equal to W_(D); a locking block pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the locking block engages the barrel when closed to prevent pivotal motion thereof, and in the second position the locking block is disengaged from the barrel to allow pivotal motion of the barrel relative to the frame; and a trigger guard having a loop portion for shielding the trigger, a forward portion extending toward the muzzle end, and a rearward portion extending away from the muzzle end, the trigger guard being pivotally mounted to the frame about a guard axis located toward the rearward portion, the trigger guard having a cam surface for actuating the locking block to move between its first position and its second position upon pivotal movement of the trigger guard.
 2. The firearm of claim 1, comprising a muzzle-loading firearm wherein the breech end of the barrel is closed.
 3. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a hammer movable between a neutral position and a cocked position, and wherein the locking block is locked in the first position when the hammer is cocked.
 4. The firearm of claim 3, wherein the hammer can not be cocked when the locking block is not in the first position.
 5. The firearm of claim 1, wherein the barrel of the firearm can not be opened or closed when the firearm is cocked.
 6. The firearm of claim 1, further comprising a hammer, and wherein the trigger further comprises an extension for direct engagement and release of the hammer
 7. A firearm comprising: a frame; a barrel pivotally mounted to the frame; and a locking block pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the locking block engages the barrel when closed to prevent pivotal motion thereof.
 8. The firearm of claim 7, further comprising a trigger guard, the trigger guard comprising a cam surface for moving the locking block between the first position and the second position.
 9. The firearm of claim 7, comprising a muzzle-loading firearm.
 10. The firearm of claim 7, further comprising a hammer movable between a neutral position and a cocked position, and wherein the locking block can not be moved out of the first position when the hammer is cocked.
 11. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the firearm can not be cocked when the locking block is not in the first position.
 12. The firearm of claim 10, wherein the barrel of the firearm can not be opened or closed when the firearm is cocked.
 13. A firearm comprising a trigger member pivotally mounted about a trigger axis, wherein the trigger member comprises a proximal portion on a first side of the trigger axis and a distal portion on a second side of the trigger axis opposite the first side, and wherein the proximal portion has a weight W_(P) and the distal portion has a weight W_(D), and wherein W_(P) is approximately equal to W_(D).
 14. The firearm of claim 13, wherein W_(P) is between 0.90 W_(D) to 1.10 W_(D).
 15. The firearm of claim 13, wherein the proximal portion has a first center of gravity spaced a distance D_(P) from the trigger axis, and the distal portion has a second center of gravity spaced a distance D_(D) from the trigger axis, and wherein D_(P)*W_(P) is approximately equal to D_(D)*W_(D).
 16. The firearm of claim 16, wherein a line drawn between the first and second centers of gravity crosses at or near the trigger axis.
 17. The firearm of claim 13, comprising a muzzle-loading firearm.
 18. The firearm of claim 13, wherein the trigger member further comprises an extension for direct engagement and release of a hammer of the firearm.
 19. A firearm comprising: a trigger movable between a ready position and a firing position, the trigger comprising an actuator portion for manipulation by a user, and an extension arm having a top face and a notch formed therein; and a hammer movable between a neutral position, a cocked position and a discharge position, the hammer comprising a hammer block portion and a sear surface; wherein the hammer block portion of the hammer engages the top face of the trigger extension arm when the trigger is in the ready position and the hammer is in the neutral position, to prevent the hammer from moving to the discharge position; and wherein the sear surface of the hammer engages the notch of the trigger extension arm when the trigger is in the ready position and the hammer is in the cocked position; and wherein the hammer is released to the discharge position when the trigger is moved to the firing position.
 20. The firearm of claim 19, wherein the trigger further comprises a spring arm, and wherein the firearm further comprises a trigger spring in engagement with the spring arm of the trigger to bias the trigger toward the ready position.
 21. The firearm of claim 19, comprising a muzzle-loading firearm. 